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Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Hopefuls?

It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.

As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.

His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.

A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

A Case for Belief

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.

• The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
• The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.

Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.